Objective To systematically review the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction. Methods The PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction from the establishment of the database to February 13th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results A total of 16 studies involving 1 361 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the mini-mental state examination (MD=1.82, 95%CI 1.49 to 2.15, P<0.000 01) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MD=1.56, 95%CI 0.83 to 2.29, P<0.0001) scores of the acupuncture treatment group were superior to those in the control group. Furthermore, the acupuncture treatment group showed a reduced incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR=0.50, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) and decreased levels of interleukin-6 (MD=−10.43, 95%CI −14.91 to −5.95, P<0.000 01), interleukin-1β (MD=−47.14, 95%CI −63.92 to −30.36, P<0.000 01), and tumor necrosis factor-α (MD=−9.13, 95%CI −12.38 to −5.89, P<0.000 01). In contrast, the visual analog scale score of the acupuncture treatment group (MD=−1.26, 95%CI −2.06 to −0.47, P=0.002) was better than that of the control group. No significant difference was found in the level of central nervous system-specific protein (S100β) (MD=−0.06, 95%CI −0.13 to 0.01, P=0.12) between the two groups. Conclusion Acupuncture therapy can improve tumor-related cognitive function in patients. Its curative effect is better than that of non-acupuncture therapy; however, its ability to reduce S100β levels is not significantly different from that of non-acupuncture therapy. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
The prevalence of developmental delay (DD) in children worldwide is still on the rise, and its causes are complex and diverse, causing varying degrees of impact on the development of the sensory nervous system in the brain of children. Sensory integration training is a treatment method that applies sensory stimulation and comprehensive activities. It is currently widely used in children with DD. This therapy can effectively improve the development and integration of the sensory system in children with DD. It also enhances the individual’s ability to adapt to external stimuli, promoting their development in language, motor, and cognitive functions. This article explores the relevant mechanisms of sensory integration training and DD, as well as the current status and effects of its application in DD children, in order to promote the development and progress of related research fields.
Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is a rare disorder of glycogen metabolism, often complicated by neutropenia/neutrophil dysfunction, leading to recurrent infections and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which severely impacts patients’ quality of life. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has demonstrated the ability to restore neutrophil counts and function, thereby improving the immunodeficiency state in GSD Ib patients. This consensus aims to provide clinical practice recommendations for the use of empagliflozin in GSD Ib based on current evidence and expert experience. The purpose of this document is to outline these key points and offer guidance for the clinical application of empagliflozin in GSD Ib.
Objective To explore the effect of preoperative hypothyroidism on postoperative cognition dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients after on-pump cardiac surgery. Methods Patients who were no younger than 50 years and scheduled to have on-pump cardiac surgeries were selected in West China Hospital from March 2016 to December 2017. Based on hormone levels, patients were divided into two groups: a hypo group (hypothyroidism group, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) >4.2 mU/L or free triiodothyronine 3 (FT3) <3.60 pmol/L or FT4 <12.0 pmol/L) and an eu group (euthyroidism group, normal TSH, FT3 and FT4). The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test and a battery of neuropsychological tests were used by a fixed researcher to assess cognitive function on 1 day before operation and 7 days after operation. Primer outcome was the incidence of POCD. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of cognitive degradation, scores or time cost in every aspect of cognitive function. Results No matter cognitive function was assessed by MMSE or a battery of neuropsychological tests, the incidence of POCD in the hypo group was higher than that of the eu group. The statistical significance existed when using MMSE (55.56% vs. 26.67%, P=0.014) but was absent when using a battery of neuropsychological tests (55.56% vs. 44.44%, P=0.361). The incidence of cognitive deterioration in the hypo group was higher than that in the eu group in verbal fluency test (48.15% vs. 20.00%, P=0.012). The cognitive deterioration incidence between the hypo group and the eu group was not statistically different in the other aspects of cognitive function. There was no statistical difference about scores or time cost between the hypo group and the eu group in all the aspects of cognitive function before surgery. After surgery, the scores between the hypo group and the eu group was statistically different in verbal fluency test (26.26±6.55 vs. 30.23±8.00, P=0.023) while was not statistically significant in other aspects of cognitive function. Conclusion The incidence of POCD is high in the elderly patients complicated with hypothyroidism after on-pump cardiac surgery and words reserve, fluency, and classification of cognitive function are significantly impacted by hypothyroidism over than other domains, which indicates hypothyroidism may have close relationship with POCD in this kind of patients.
ObjectiveTo study the clinical results of Mini Maze procedure in atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function.MethodsFrom June 2010 to December 2017, 86 atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function received Mini Maze procedure including 54 males and 32 females, with an average age of 60.7±5.9 years. Among them, 12 were with paroxysmal, 27 were with persistent and 47 were with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The mean atrial fibrillation duration was 6.5±4.8 years. CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.2±1.1. The mean diameter of left atrium was 46.9±3.8 mm. The mean diameter of left ventricle was 51.7±4.6 mm. The preoperative ejection fraction was 42.2%±4.7%. All patients received Mini Maze procedure after general anesthesia. The ablation included 3 annular ablations and 3 linear ablations. The left atrial appendage was excised by Endo-Gia. Ablation of Marshall ligament and epicardial autonomic ganglions were made by an ablation pen.ResultsEighty-six patients successfully completed the procedure without transition to thoracotomy. There was no death during the perioperative period. Seventy-seven patients (89.5%) maintained sinus rhythm at discharge. Eighty patients were followed up for 27.2±12.1 months and 72 patients maintained sinus rhythm. The overall postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 47.1%±6.2%. The ejection fraction of the postoperative sinus rhythm group was 48.2%±5.8%, and the ejection fraction of the non-sinus group was 41.6%±5.8% (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed a left atrial diameter (HR=1.485, 95%CI 1.157-1.906, P<0.05) and an increase in ejection fraction over 10% (HR=18.800, 95%CI 1.674-189.289, P<0.05) were closely related to postoperative recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in patients with an increase in postoperative ejection fraction over 10% (P<0.05).ConclusionMini Maze procedure is safe and effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which helps to improve left ventricular function to prevent the vicious circle of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Objective To observe the clinical characteristics of asthma patients with chronic duration stage combined with small airway dysfunction (SAD), and analyze the influencing factors of SAD and the cardiopulmonary function of such patients under exercise. Methods The patients with chronic duration of asthma admitted to Nanjing Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2022 to April 2024 were divided into a SAD group and a non-SAD group according to the lung function results. Clinical data and relevant data of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were collected, the clinical data and cardiopulmonary function between the two groups were compared. The influencing factors of SAD were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 102 patients with chronic asthma duration, 59 (57.8%) in the SAD group and 43 (42.2%) in the non-SAD group were included. In the SAD group, age, body masss index, asthma duration were greater than those in the non-SAD group, and SAD score was lower than that in the non-SAD group; the proportion of patients with acute onset of asthma, history of smoking, allergic rhinitis, and asthma control test score were higher than those in the non-SAD group, the exhaled nitric oxide level of SAD group was higher than that in the non-SAD group, and the conventional lung function level was lower than that in the non-SAD group (P<0.05). CPET showed that the VE/VCO2 slope and CO2 equivalent in the SAD group were higher than those in the non-SAD group, and the peak kg oxygen uptake, peak heart rate, and respiratory reserve were lower than those in the non-SAD group, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age, increase of carbon dioxide equivalent at peak exercise, acute onset of asthma and allergic rhinitis were independent risk factors for SAD, and the increase of peak expiratory flow rate was the protective factor (P<0.05). Conclusions SAD in chronic persistent asthma is affected by various factors such as age, acute asthma attacks and history of allergic rhinitis. CPET indicates that patients with asthma who also have SAD have their cardiopulmonary function and aerobic capacity impaired to some extent.
ObjectivesTo explore the association between liver dysfunction and premature birth (PTB).MethodsA prospective cohort of HBV-infected or uninfected pregnant women of Han nationality attending antenatal care at Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital was recruited from January 1st, 2012 to June 30th, 2016. Liver function tests (LFTs) were monitored through pregnancy. Robust Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) on HBV infection and LFT abnormalities.ResultsAmong 35 452 pregnant women (1 073 HBV carriers and 34 379 non-HBV women), 4 266 (12.03%) had at least one instance of abnormal LFT results. One fold upper limit of normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST), two folds upper limit of normal total bilirubin, and four folds upper limit of normal total bile acid rather than HBsAg positivity, were identified as independent risk factors for PTB by Robust Possion regression analysis.ConclusionsAbnormal LFTs among pregnant women is an independent risk factor of PTB. We suggest monitoring the LFTs results of high-risk population throughout pregnancy.
ObjectiveTo summarize and analyze the possible association between thyroid diseases and alopecia areata. MethodThe literatures on the relationship between thyroid disease and alopecia areata in recent years were searched and reviewed. ResultsAmong individuals with alopecia areata, the risk of thyroid disease was heightened. They were more susceptible to autoimmune thyroid conditions, often accompanied by thyroid function abnormalities. Moreover, alopecia areata patients face an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, in patients with thyroid disease, the change of the incidence of alopecia areata was not completely clear. The risk of alopecia areata was increased in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, and abnormal thyroid function may be one of the potential reasons for the persistence of alopecia areata. ConclusionsAutoimmune thyroid disease and alopecia areata may have a common disease basis. Patients with alopecia areata are at greater risk of autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid dysfunction. The increased risk of alopecia areata in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease may be related to abnormal thyroid function.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with nimodipine in the treatment of cerebral dysfunction resulted from traumatic brain injury. MethodWe retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of 124 patients with cerebral dysfunction induced by traumatic brain injury, admitted to the Neurosurgery Department during February 2011 to February 2014. All the patients were divided into the traditional treatment group (n=45), the traditional treatment with hyperbaric oxygen group (HBO group, n=40) and the traditional treatment with nimodipine and hyperbaric oxygen group (integrated group, n=39). The differences among the three groups in neurological injury severity evaluated by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and the cerebral blood flow were recorded and analyzed at three time points (before the treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment). ResultsThere was no significant difference in neurological injury severity and cerebral blood flow among these three groups before treatment (P>0.05). Evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after treatments, the neurological injury severity of HBO group and integrated group were significantly less than the traditional treatment group (P<0.05); the neurological severity score of integrated group was significantly lower than the HBO group (P<0.05); the cerebral blood flow of HBO group and integrated group were significantly higher than the traditional treatment group (P<0.05); and the cerebral blood flow of integrated group was significantly higher than the HBO group (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe combination therapy of hyperbaric oxygen combined with nimodipine is effective in the treatment of cerebral dysfunction induced by traumatic brain injury, because of its attenuation of neurological injury severity and increase of cerebral blood flow.
ObjectiveTo summarize the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating autophagy and ameliorating multi-organ dysfunction in the treatment of sepsis.MethodThe relevant literatures at home and abroad in recent years were systematically searched and read to review the mechanism of H2S in regulating autophagy and ameliorating multi-organ dysfunction during sepsis.ResultsAs a new medical gas signal molecule, H2S could regulate autophagy by regulating multiple signal pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, MAPK, AMPK, etc., then ameliorated multi-organ dysfunction in sepsis.ConclusionH2S inhibits inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by regulating autophagy, thus ameliorating multi-organ dysfunction in sepsis, which is expected to become an effective therapeutic target for sepsis.